Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Review

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Frostie

This wine is fruity and fresh. Savoury with the perfect balance of acidity: this wine is the perfect wine to bring in the New Year. Ripe fruit characters, intense aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit and blackcurrant with a subtle underlying of gooseberry on the nose. The palate is concentrated with tropical flavours and it has a long finish. Delicious.

Winemaker Notes

A classic Wairau Valley style bursting with the trademark ripe fruit characters found in this sub region. The nose displays pure and powerful aromas of peach, grapefruit, blackcurrant, and underlying fresh aromatic herbs like rosemary and lemon thyme. The palate is concentrated with an enticing array of gooseberry, melon and guava flavours, balanced by a fine thread of acidity, and a savoury refreshing finish.

Vineyards

The fruit for this wine comes from a combination of vineyards with varying soils and viticultural techniques throughout the Wairau Valley. The common thread between the vineyards was an unrelenting focus on vine health. This was achieved by careful yield adjustments and water management as well as a balanced approach to vine nutrition

Winemaking

All Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested at the cool of night to retain aromatics and freshness in the grapes. The fruit was destemmed, crushed, and pressed before cold settling. The clear racked juice was inoculated with selected aromatic yeast strains. Cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks took place to retain distinctive sub-regional and varietal characteristics

Vintage

The climate in Marlborough has high sunshine hours, but temperatures during the growing season are regulated by the cooling ocean influence. In 2014, Marlborough had warmer than usual spring, followed by temperate summer. Overall, it was a bountiful harvest with excellent quality grapes; intensely flavoured and picked in pristine condition. All Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested between early March until mid April.

Food match

Enjoy with:

Fish/Shellfish
Salads & Picnics
Mild Creamy Cheeses

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 100.0%

Region: Marlborough

ABV: 13%

pH: 3.00

Total Acidity: 6.80 g/l

Residual Sugar: 3 g/l

Drink: Now to 2 years

Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Celebrities Turn Out For Crisis At Christmas Charity Casino Fundraiser…

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

It’s around about now on Christmas Day that family come together for Christmas dinner, reflect on the year and look forward to a new one, all washed down with a glass of Bucks Fizz and Auntie Maur’s mince pies.

But Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time of year for a person cut off from family and home.

Crisis at Christmas, every year, provides companionship and support to tackle loneliness and isolation, helping people take their first steps out of homelessness.

With two new centres set to open their doors this year, Crisis need over 10,000 volunteers to make Crisis at Christmas happen for thousands of homeless people. As well as warmth, companionship and hot meals, centres in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Coventry and Edinburgh will provide guests with healthcare and specialist advice on housing, work and benefits.

With this in mind, Jeremy Reeve, who heads up PowerPackXL Ltd (a Cambridge-based manufacturer of unique patented mobile phone chargers), wanted to raise some much needed funds for the charity, so set about using some of his contacts to build a night of fun and laughter to raise some cash for the charity. The number one call on Jeremy’s list was British actor Tony Fadil, as Jeremy knew he was the man when it came to filling a room with celebrities! Tony instantly took on the role and put in the hard work needed to run a VIP list and fill the room.

Many well known faces from TV, film and music turned out earlier in December for a charity casino night in aid of Crisis at Christmas, held in the famous White Room at the Grosvenor Barracuda Casino in London’s Baker Street – the perfect backdrop to a memorable night.

With free-to-play casino tables, guests enjoyed roulette, blackjack and poker, all played for fun. The evening then continued with a charity auction and raffle, in total, raising £2,312.65, all heading off to the charity to be put to use helping London’s homeless this Christmas.

Jeremy Reeve the MD of PowerPackXL has volunteered with Crisis, the single persons homeless charity, for the last five years, working in London during the Christmas week, where Crisis run a number of centres looking after guests.

VIP guests included:

Jaye Gamm, Gerry Todd, Marc Zammit, Paul J Lane, Wayne Gordon (ITV’s Gladiators), Sean Cronin, Kellie Barclay, Hayley Louise, Fergus Gaddes, Dean Maskell, Niqi Bupsie (X Factor 2015), Derry Luca Mensah (X Factor), Paul Manners, Old Men Grooving (Britain’s Got Talent), Simon Gross (Big Brother 2015), Heavy D, Angie Brown (solo artist), Cream Boomtown (TV Reality Star from BBC3, MTV, SKY TV, & Hip Hop Artist famous for hit single ‘Daddy Kool’), James Lewis (ITV’s Deals Wheels & Steals), Dave O’Donnell (UCMMA Promoter), Flint Bedrock (CEO of YSBG Management), Becky O’Brien, Colin Chapman (Author), Colin Marker (Percy Publishing) Nuraya Kokos CEO Baby KoKos Events Limited (PA to Jethro Sheeran), Carl Charlesworth (magician), stand-up comedian Simon Hussein, and a host of look-a-likes and people from the industry.

After spending a week volunteering at a Crisis at Christmas centre, Jeremy, who has volunteered for the last five years, quoted on his Facebook page yesterday:

“337 hot meals were served at my ‪#‎CrisisXmas‬ centre in East London tonight – 100% of the guests smiling! Your donations MADE A DIFFERENCE!”

So, join Jeremy and make a difference this Christmas…. donate at:

http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PowerPackXLJeremyReeve&un_jtt_redirect

Crisis at Christmas 2015 runs from 23 – 30 December 2015.

www.crisis.org.uk/pages/christmas

Images courtesy Shane Finn (Visual Devotion)

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2013 Review

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Frostie

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2013 is a rich, textured wine with subtle spice flavours and red cherry notes. This is a sensual wine, elegant and intensely flavoured. It gives a red fruit burst and is medium bodied with a clean and long finish. Cranberry and spice make it perfect for winter.

Winemaker Notes

The 2013 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir displays a fragrant bouquet of dried herbs, red cherries and subtle smoky notes. On the palate the wine is concentrated with juicy red berry fruit flavours, integrated acidity and fine grainy tannins.

Vineyards

The fruit for this wine originates from a diverse range of vineyard sites in both the Awatere and Wairau valleys in Marlborough. Soil types range from clay loams, adding depth and concentration to the wine, whereas the stony limestone soils contribute perfumed aromatics and texture.

Winemaking

The wine is made with true respect for the fruit with gentle handling through the winery.The fruit was chilled, destemmed and cold soaked for 10 days before being fermented using a mixture of indigenous and cultured yeast. The ferments peaked at 32°c to extract the desired colour and tannins. The wine was then post macerated for a further 3-5 days to soften tannin profile before gently pressing. It was matured for 10 months in new and seasoned french oak barriques, resulting in a silky refined and layered Marlborough Pinot Noir.

Vintage

The 2013 vintage was warm and dry, although quite mild temperatures throughout the summer months resulting in pronounced aromatics and ripe tannins.

Food match

Enjoy with:

• Grilled & Roasted Red Meats • Grilled & Roasted White Meats • Pizza/Pasta
• Mild Creamy Cheeses

Grapes: Pinot Noir 100.0%

Region: Marlborough

ABV: 13.5%

pH: 3.55

Total Acidity: 6.20 g/l

Residual Sugar: 0.00 g/l

Drink now…2 to 5 years

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Frostie

Anxiety is on the rise and even those lucky enough not to have anxiety will tend to worry. This book is great. It is all inclusive, it covers the aspects of anxiety to help you understand your own anxiety and anxiety in general. Part two then allows you to manage your anxiety. It gives you the tools to change the way you think, use mindfulness to help, use solution-based problem solving and boost your confidence. It even gives advice on finding help and support from other people. I found this book fascinating. I liked how it tells you to write down your anxieties and find recurring anxieties and then tackle them head on. I also loved the advice of surrounding yourself with ‘radiators’, people who spread warmth and positivity. Rather than drains who only take away energy and resources. There are brilliant tools and advice that really works. In my opinion, this book is essential for anyone with anxiety.

New book explains how to identify and manage anxiety

Anxiety is recognised as one of the most prevalent mental health problems in the UK, with financial issues, welfare of family members, work stress and fear of unemployment some of the most common contributing factors.

For those who experience occasional anxiety or have a diagnosable disorder, Overcoming Anxiety is a new book that provides practical strategies and techniques to help manage or overcome worries and concerns.

Written by bestselling personal development author Gill Hasson, the book begins by explaining what anxiety is and how it can present itself, including panic attacks, phobias, OCD & IBS. It goes on to explain how readers can manage both the cognitive and physical aspects of anxiety and identify activities they can do to help them switch off from worrying.

Overcoming Anxiety highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with other people, outlining what family and friends can do to help. Hasson stresses the significance of having positive people around, explaining that “how other people respond to you can make quite a difference to how you feel about yourself- to your confidence, self-esteem and your ability to manage anxious thoughts and feelings.”

Throughout the book, there are quotes and examples from people who have experienced anxiety. Plus, exercises, activities, tips, strategies and techniques for readers to try.

“What is crucial is that you learn and develop a range of techniques and strategies that work for you” writes Hasson“and keep at it.”

About the author:

Gill Hasson is the author of the international bestsellers Mindfulness: Be mindful. Live in the moment , How To Deal With Difficult People: Smart Tactics for Overcoming the Problem People in Your Life and Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career.

She is a teacher, trainer and writer. She has 20 years’ experience in the area of personal development. Her expertise is in the areas of confidence and self-esteem, communication skills, assertiveness and resilience.

Gill delivers teaching and training for educational organisations, voluntary and business organisations and the public sector.

Gill’s particular interest and motivation is in helping people to realize their potential, to live their best life!

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring Ways to Break Free from Stress and Worry and Lead a Calmer Life

Mango Bikes Launch: The Ladies Classic

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Frost is all for people getting, and keeping fit, and as a keen cyclist I drool over bikes – I once cycled far too many miles around and about Israel, on and off road, for charity on a mountain bike, and have always longed for a road bike.

I was thrilled, therefore, to see that leading British bicycle brand Mango Bikes are introducing their new elegant Ladies Classic style. It is a traditional British bike which couples simplicity with elegance to produce a lean mean – comfortable – cycling machine that ticks all the boxes – and at an unbelievable price.

Mango Bikes was founded by two university housemates who felt that it didn’t seem right that you could buy a car exactly to spec, or shoes, to your design, but bikes were only available in a few dull, pre-selected colours.

They remedied the situation, and Mango Bikes was born. Now they’ve taken the next step and are building a full range of bikes for all levels of cyclists, focusing on great quality, great customer service and unbeatable prices. Not forgetting, keeping the whole brand experience as fun as possible.

This Mango Bike is for those of us who require reliability, comfort and of course style. Focusing on the intermediate lifestyle and urban road bikes market, Mango Bikes are a refreshing alternative to the daunting high street bike shop.

It is comfortable and beautiful and has a padded sprung saddle – the bliss.

The bike arrives with an easy to use seven-speed gear system from the world’s leading component brand, Shimano.

The Mango Bikes Ladies Classic RRP is £299.99. This style is available in five beautiful colours (cream, green, blue, raspberry and black) with matching pannier and chain guard as standard and an optional wicker basket.

For more information, or to buy, go to www.mangobikes.co.uk.

Sukin – Australian natural skincare

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The Frost team like this skincare product:

formulated in Australia, Sukin is a natural beauty brand offering a range of luxurious yet affordable products crafted using ingredients that are the best nature has to offer.

Sukin focus on perfecting formulas that contain active botanicals and essential oils carefully selected to restore the natural vitality and radiance of the skin.

From foaming cleansers to antioxidant eye serums, moisture rich body creams to hydrating face oils, protein rich haircare to intense firming serums, Sukin has a range to suit your skin head to toe, whatever your age.

Give the gift of glowing skin this Christmas with the ‘Love Your Skin’ set from Sukin. Beautifully presented in an attractive gift box and featuring a 3 step face kit of hero products from the range, this is the perfect present for any natural skincare lover this Christmas.

RRP £19.99

Foaming Facial Cleanser (125ml)

A non-drying formula utilising the coveted calming extract of German chamomile, this cleanser enlists the help of soothing aloe vera, witch hazel and green tea to provide a deep, refreshing cleanse whilst purifying and balancing the skin.

Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml)

This multitasking product isn’t just an excellent addition to your daily skincare regime. Infused with rose & chamomile, and dispensed as a fine mist, this hydrating toner is the perfect handbag accessory for refreshing skin in air-conditioned environments and on hot days and long flights. Use to set make-up as well as under & over lotions, creams, gels and oils to soothe and cool.

Facial Moisturiser (125ml)

A daily use, deeply penetrating and rapidly absorbed moisturiser that naturally hydrates, softens and soothes skin, combining a winning infusion of aloe vera, horsetail, burdock and nettle to soothe, as well as skin healing rosehip oil, wheat germ, jojoba & avocado oil.

Sukin is available from Holland & Barrett, Alphega Pharmacies, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Ocado, www.cressuk.com, www.feelunique.com and Independent Stockists nationwide.

Five fab last-minute Christmas food buys

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Aidan

Having been to a heap of Christmas food shows and taste tested a fair amount of what’s on offer, I have come up with my top five Christmas food buys. They’re the tastes that won’t let you down and, with Christmas looming large now, there’s still time to pick them up…

Cornish garlic yarg Available at Waitrose, this subtle semi-hard speciality is covered in garlic leaves and is fabulous with a slice of traditional Christmas cake. £1.92 per 100g, Waitrose

Chocolate Fudge Can’t take any more Christmas chocolate? You might find room for this creamy, chocolatety treat. Enjoy a square a night and don’t tell anyone you’re hiding the box under your bed. £5.95 for 227g, Highgrove (available at Fortnum & Mason stores)

Smoked salmon cuts Perfect for topping canapes, slipping alongside scrambled eggs and adding to pasta, these salmon cuts are cheap and so, so delcious. £2 per 100g, Morrisons

Coconut Snowballs – Oh, these are fun. coconut truffle in white chocolate dipped in dessicated coconut. Guaranteed to keep your festive spirits up if there are no real snowballs in sight. £5.50 for 100g, Hotel Chocolat

Fortnum & Mason Christmas Petits Fours Mince Pie Medley – And finally, I don’t let a Christmas go by without a box of these sumptuous mini mince pies – so much smaller than even the miniest mince pies, they are packed with sumptuous fillings and the pastries are melt-in-the-mouth soft. Only bring them out for your favourite guests. £18.95 for a box of 32, Fortnum & Mason

Merry Christmas everyone – here’s wishing you lots of fabulous festive eating and fun!

Hair : From Desk to Disco

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Frostie

Andrew Jose : Award winning celebrity hairdresser and brand ambassador for SALON SCIENCE® haircare says . . .

Grown up party hair on the go is the perfect balance of polished, effortless yet timeless hair that is elegant and fun.
Do bear in mind that less is more. If you have a statement dress, then keep the hair simple, if you have a simple dress then the hair can become more of a statement!
Do take into consideration head shape and the balance of your facial features when choosing a party hair up. A style that is soft and flattering on most face shape is the low chignon or bun.
Always tease hair at the crown to give volume and leave soft tendrils around the face
Soft waves and a side parting can take your style to the next level – a vintage take on a modern style looks timeless and chic.
Always wash hair the day before putting it up to combat hair being too slippery.
Teasing (back combing) and dry shampoo is a must have for volume and staying power.
Great hair takes time DON’T rush it! If you are creating the style yourself, practise your look as some techniques can be challenging. Trial your style the day before to get it right on the night.
Always carry an emergency fix kit, a couple of bobby pins, a small backcombing brush and a handbag sized hairspray is essential!
Whether it’s a simple braid for decoration or a halo dutch braid for on-trend and current looking statement hair, simply adding a plait can give a contemporary twist to a simple classic style.

Speedy tricks for styling hair on the go.

Hair ups are a great option for when you are short on time but need a high impact style for the day. If the thought of doing a hair up at home without expert help feels daunting, then help is at hand.

Salon Science Brand Ambassador and award winning hairdresser Andrew Jose has created three simple, yet stunning styles for chic hair at home (without getting your fingers in a twist)

Any trends?

Hair jewellery is a big trend for winter – glam up a pony tail with gold cuff detail around a low slung pony for on trend metallic glamour

Your get-good-hair-quick kit!

Salon Science Swiss Apple Cellumax volumising Foam (£17.00 Boots)
Swiss Grape Reglosse Smoothing Serum (£18.00 Boots)
A soft bristled brush (Mason and Pearson)
Pin tail comb
Kirby grips
Dry shampoo
Velcro rollers
Hair spray

The Plait Bun

Easy AND elegant, the plait bun can be sleek and polished or made to be looser and slightly messed up for daytime.

Flip hair upside down, apply Salon Science Swiss Apple Cellumax Volumising Mousse (£17.00) at the root

Back comb at the crown to create volume and ensure the style will stay in place.
Leave two sections at each side of your parting at the front
Back comb the hair in the ponytail, and twist hair around the base of the pony tail creating a bun and pin in to place
Create two braids with the sections left out at the front of the hair, secure the ends with thin loom bands, pull back and pin around the bun

The half up twist

One of this season’s biggest hair trends, the half up style is a sneaky way of making a lazy day hairstyle seem cool – the top half of your hair is up, and the rest is down.

Spritz Swiss Grape Salon Science Reprotectant Thermal Crème (£16.00) over damp hair

Using a big barrelled brush – give hair a smooth blow dry. Then using irons or tongs, create a loose lazy wave

Add dry shampoo at the root for texture and backcomb at the crown – the Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo is great. Adjust height to your own preference and pin top hair piece into place.
Using thumbs and palms, pull the top half of your hair back into a half ponytail from about an inch above the ears, leaving most of your lengths free. pull the hair out at the crown a little to create more volume.
Make a hole right above the hairband by using your finger, splitting the hair in two and flip the ponytail through. Tighten the pony
Pull out strands at the front to mess up the style a little

Variation of this look is the ‘Hun’ or the ‘half bun’

Instead of flipping hair through the pony – simply back comb the half pony tail and wrap it around the base of the hairband – and pin into place
wear it high and sleek or low and undone – depending on your mood

Tips on using dry shampoo if you haven’t time to wash it

A great tip for dry shampoo application is to section hair off with clips, spray a line of dry shampoo and repeat throughout oily areas. Wait for a couple of minutes then brush through with soft bristled brush to evenly distribute the oil absorbing powder. For best results do this in the evening before you go to bed and then again in the morning to counteract oil build up overnight

STOCKISTS

Salon Science available exclusively at Boots Nationwide and Boots.com
www.salonscience.com

Andrew Jose Hair Salon
http://www.andrewjose.com/
1 Charlotte street, London W1

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